2020 Outlander SEL Infotainment Freezing and Rebooting Randomly

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Eric V. · rep 0 · May 22, 5:33 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL

Hey everyone,

My 2020 Mitsubishi Outlander SEL's infotainment system has been acting up lately. It'll randomly freeze for a few seconds, then completely reboot itself. This happens whether I'm using Apple CarPlay, the built-in navigation, or just listening to the radio.

It's really frustrating, especially when I'm trying to follow directions or make a call. Sometimes it happens multiple times on a short drive. Has anyone else experienced this with their Outlander, especially a 2020 model? Any ideas on what might be causing it or how to fix it?

I've tried restarting the car, but the issue keeps coming back. Wondering if it's a software glitch or something more serious with the head unit.

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

This is a common complaint with modern vehicle infotainment systems, and can stem from several electrical and software-related issues. Here's a breakdown of potential causes and steps you can take:

  1. Soft Reset: Try performing a soft reset of the infotainment system. While the car is on, locate the power button for the infotainment (often the volume knob) and press and hold it for 10-15 seconds until the system reboots. This can clear temporary glitches.
  2. Check for Updates: Mitsubishi often releases software updates for their infotainment systems. Visit your dealership or check the Mitsubishi owner's portal (if available for your model) to see if there's a pending update that addresses stability issues. An outdated firmware can cause freezing and reboots.
  3. External Device Interference: If you frequently use Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, try disconnecting your phone and using the system standalone for a few drives. A faulty cable or an app on your phone could potentially be causing conflicts.
  4. Power Supply/Wiring: Intermittent power supply to the head unit can cause reboots. This could be due to a loose connection behind the dash or a failing component within the head unit itself. This is harder to diagnose without specialized tools.

Potential Causes:

  • Software bugs or corrupted firmware.
  • Overheating of the head unit's internal components.
  • Loose or corroded electrical connections to the infotainment unit.
  • A failing internal component within the head unit (e.g., processor, memory).
  • OBD Codes: While infotainment issues don't always trigger standard powertrain codes, a scan tool might reveal communication errors (U-codes) related to the CAN bus system if the head unit is struggling to communicate with other modules.

When to See a Shop: If the soft reset and checking for updates don't resolve the issue, or if the problem becomes more frequent and severe, it's time to visit a Mitsubishi dealership or a reputable automotive electrical specialist. They can perform a deeper diagnostic, check for specific fault codes related to the infotainment system, inspect wiring, and determine if a replacement head unit is necessary. This is especially important if the issue affects safety features or vehicle settings controlled by the screen.